Did you know that there was a girl who struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gerhig in an exhibition game? Her name was Jackie Mitchell and she played for the AA Chattanooga Lookouts. A few days later, her contract was voided by the baseball commissioner because baseball was considered too strenous for women.

Diamond Ruby is a historical novel based loosely on this story. Ruby Thomas is a 17-year-old with the ability to throw the ball as hard as any major league players. Left to care for her nieces by herself in the 1920s, she works to make ends meet by working as a Coney Island sideshow. She gathers attenion from all over New York City, both good and bad. She must keep her small family safe from the threats to them and on her life.